Two Credit Waiver FAQs

The 2-credit waiver for individual student circumstances is part of the 24-credit graduation requirement framework. Districts are authorized to waive up to two flexible credits of the 24-credit graduation requirements (WAC 180-51-068 and WAC 180-51-210), according to written district policies. Students with the waiver may graduate with 22, rather than 24, total credits, although students must earn the 17 foundational (core) subject area credits.

Student eligibility is determined by local district policy. The 2-credit waiver is part of the 24-credit graduation requirements (WAC 180-51-068 and WAC 180-51-210), and is available to eligible individual students whose state graduation requirements are the 24-credit requirements (WAC 180-51-068 and WAC 180-51-210). Student circumstances that districts could identify as considerations for the waiver could include homelessness, limited English proficiency, medical conditions, disabilities, inability to retake classes or enroll in remedial classes free of charge, or any other individual student circumstance that directly compromises a student’s ability to learn.

The Washington State School Directors Association developed a model policy (Policy #2418) for the Waiver of High School Graduation Credits. More information may be obtained through WSSDA’s Policy and Legal Office.

In April 2020, WSSDA updated the model policy to include the updated language from HB 1599 of “a student's circumstances." Districts may wish to update the language in their policy, if it had been adopted by the district previously (before April 2020).

No. The 2-credit waiver for individual student circumstances may be used to waive a flexible credit to make room in a student’s schedule to make up a core credit. However, the student does not need to attempt and fail a course prior to being granted the waiver. It is permitted to grant the waiver proactively so that an individual student may plan on graduating with 22 rather than 24 credits.

Page last updated: June 2024

The original legislation described the waiver as being for “unusual circumstances,” but did not define “unusual.” Some districts found this wording problematic because circumstances that might warrant a waiver, such as limited English proficiency, might not locally be an unusual circumstance. The new legislation replaced “unusual circumstances” with “a student’s circumstances,” giving districts greater latitude in applying the waiver.  The legislation also clarified in statute that foundational core credits may not be waived. This change placed in statute what had already been placed in rule (WAC 180-51-068). Credits that may be waived are the seven elective credits (four electives and three Personalized Pathway Requirements--one of two arts credits, and both world language credits).